​Over sixty Scottish breweries have launched in last six years. With so much excitement in the industry and International Women’s Day approaching, we’re shining a spotlight on the lassies leading the charge in Scottish brewing. What's more, you'll have the chance to meet and learn from all our featured women at the free "Women in Brewing Beer Fair" 6pm on Thursday, 8th March at Teviot Row House.

Traveling for the love of beer with The Wandering Hoptimist

Working with one of Scotland’s newest micro-breweries, Dani Mountain spends her days traveling to festivals, trade shows, distributors as well as local shops and pubs getting the word out about Cross Borders beer. As a freelance digital marketer she’s also responsible for building their brand on social media.

With the envy inducing nickname, The Wandering Hoptimist, and a job description to match, read on to hear Dani’s thoughts on Leeds, Lithuania, cheese and today’s Scottish brewing industry.

Dani Mountain, Cross Borders Brewing

I do hope that breweries begin to take more chances with their beers and experiment with the fantastic resources the country has to offer"

Is working in the beer industry different than what you thought it would be?I knew more or less what I was getting into. A lot of smaller breweries may not understand the need for social media presence, for instance, or think they can just do it themselves, which is not always the case. It's certainly harder to prove your necessity sometimes but, lucky for me, the guys at Cross Borders appreciate and understand what it is that I bring to the team. My role has certainly changed in the past 15 months I've worked with them but it's the nature of the changing of the business as they grow. It certainly keeps things interesting!

Is this really the golden age of the Scottish beer?Things are only just beginning for Scottish beer. At times, it's hard to understand how much of a difference there is between the beers south of the border and here but you can see people' perceptions are beginning to change. There is demand for Scottish styles and beers in export markets but I do hope more also gets to move within our own markets to build up that reputation and sense of pride with UK beer as a whole.

What is the most exciting thing about the future of brewing in Scotland?
Because there is a wealth of skill and knowledge here in Scotland, I do hope that breweries begin to take more chances with their beers and experiment with the fantastic resources the country has to offer.

Do you think that people are more open to trying new beer styles lately?
Absolutely. There's always going to be a need for the pint market but with the success of bars such as The Hanging Bat,Salt Horse and Usher's can surely prove, there is certainly a thirsty market for interesting styles, served in smaller quantities.

What’s the current beer trend? While the NEIPA/DIPA trend may be waning slightly, I think it's still hanging on. Mixed/spontaneous fermentation beers are certainly going to be a trend in the coming years with many breweries building coolships and adding barrel ageing programs to their repertoire.

With Scotland entering a new "Golden Age of Beer", we're featuring the leading ladies of the Scottish beer industry in the run up to International Women's Day on 8th March. What's more, you'll have the chance to meet and learn from all our featured women at the free "Women in Brewing Beer Fair" 6pm on Thursday, 8th March at Teviot Row House.

Bringing Edinburgh's Brewing History to Life
A nutrition student at Queen Margaret University and part of the ScotBeer Tours team, most weekends Jenny can be found holding her orange umbrella meeting visitors and locals to sample the best beers from across Scotland while guiding them through Edinburgh’s fascinating brewing history.

A keen home brewer, Jenny is always researching new styles, venues and brewing stories. She's passionate about bringing Scotland's brewing heritage to life, even going so far as to brew up an historic recipe for "Cock Ale" made with chicken! Read on to hear her thoughts about the current Scottish beer industry.

Jenny Watt, ScotBeer Guide

Is working in the beer industry different than what you thought it would be?Yes. I really still can’t believe this is my job, it’s great. Every day at work I meet some wonderful like-minded people, and total strangers meeting on tours connect over their love of beer, it’s really fantastic.

Everyday at work, I meet wonderful like-minded people, and total strangers connect over their love of beer, it’s really fantastic"

Is this really the golden age of the Scottish beer?Maybe. Scottish beer is certainly an amazing product that is now getting recognised internationally. With over 130 breweries in Scotland and new ones opening each year, the new and bold beers they are producing certainly points to Scotland heading to a golden age of brewing. If we are already there, I’d say it’s just the beginning.

​What is the most exciting thing about the future of brewing in Scotland?
I am loving the new flavours that breweries are coming up with and the amazing beers that are being made when breweries collaborate. Although the most exciting thing I think is that as Scottish beer gains popularity in international markets it will bring more tourism to Scotland as people travel here from all over the world to try incredible Scottish beers.

Do you think that people are more open to trying new beer styles lately?
Yes, I think people are really open to trying new beer styles and are very excited to find something new. Craft breweries certainly keep producing new and interesting beers keeping people excited about trying new beers and styles.

​What’s the current beer trend?
Sours and Barrel-aged are very popular right now. I am also really enjoying the really juicy and hazy New England IPA which are popping up in beer bars.